No. 9 Gamecocks dealing with high expectations

By PETE IACOBELLIAP Sports Writer

COLUMBIA, SC (AP) - South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has successfully handled high expectations for most of his college career. He knows his ninth-ranked Gamecocks will have to quickly learn the same lesson.

Excitement among South Carolina fans is at an all-time high after last season's 11-2 season, the most victories the program's ever produced. To achieve their goals in the Southeastern Conference, the Gamecocks have to stay focused.

The Gamecocks were picked in the preseason top 10 for the first time, the school announced a record membership for its athletic booster group and talk of SEC titles and more fills local airwaves.

Spurrier said Monday the Gamecocks have set their goals to go beyond last year's showing. The run at the top starts Thursday night when South Carolina opens the season at Vanderbilt.

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#12 Mississippi State finished up its final practice in Starkville on Wednesday before heading to Hattiesburg for opening weekend. Andy Cannizaro is entering his second season as head coach of the Bulldogs, he agreed to wear a microphone for WLBT / FOX 40 during Wednesday's practice. To understand why Cannizaro is such a likable coach, click on the video above. When asked about facing Southern Miss this weekend, Cannizaro praised Scott Berry's team. ...

#12 Mississippi State finished up its final practice in Starkville on Wednesday before heading to Hattiesburg for opening weekend. Andy Cannizaro is entering his second season as head coach of the Bulldogs, he agreed to wear a microphone for WLBT / FOX 40 during Wednesday's practice. To understand why Cannizaro is such a likable coach, click on the video above. When asked about facing Southern Miss this weekend, Cannizaro praised Scott Berry's team. ...

WIS is launching a new sports talk show on Facebook Live! Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Rick Henry, Emery Glover and their special guests will get together at 1801 Grille in downtown Columbia for thirty minutes of spirited college football talk on Facebook Live.

WIS is launching a new sports talk show on Facebook Live! Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Rick Henry, Emery Glover and their special guests will get together at 1801 Grille in downtown Columbia for thirty minutes of spirited college football talk on Facebook Live.

Blair Schaefer said it best Monday night about the record 10,749 at The Hump: "It was loud." #2 Mississippi State trailed #7 South Carolina 44-39 after 3 quarters. The Bulldogs used a 13-0 run in the 4th to remain perfect on the season. MSU beat the Gamecocks 67-53.

Blair Schaefer said it best Monday night about the record 10,749 at The Hump: "It was loud." #2 Mississippi State trailed #7 South Carolina 44-39 after 3 quarters. The Bulldogs used a 13-0 run in the 4th to remain perfect on the season. MSU beat the Gamecocks 67-53.

Becoming a professional football player certainly appears to be a bit awkward at times. The players walk out in front of tons of strangers, then onto a stage wearing nothing but shorts, and next get measured and weighed like cattle.

Becoming a professional football player certainly appears to be a bit awkward at times. The players walk out in front of tons of strangers, then onto a stage wearing nothing but shorts, and next get measured and weighed like cattle.